Astros' legend Dierker plans golf event for a good cause

By Mike Bailey

Updated
8:55 am CST, Wednesday, December 4, 2013

For years, former Astros player, manager and broadcaster Larry Dierker has lent not only his name, but his deeds, too, for Literacy Advance of Houston, an organization dedicated to help adults attain functional literacy. Dierker has been a celebrity spokesman for the nonprofit organization, but is also a passionate volunteer, spending a couple of times a week or more tutoring adults who need help learning how to read.

He's also been a big part of a charity golf tournament conducted over the years to raise money for the cause, but this year, Dierker and the organization are trying something different. If successful, which Dierker fully expects will be, you might see other groups go this route as well.

The 2014 Reader Cup, scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., will be at TopGolf Houston, a giant three-tiered sports complex that's part high-tech driving range and part sports bar, located off Interstate 10 West at 1030 Memorial Brook Blvd. (By the way, a second TopGolf facility is currently being constructed in Spring and scheduled to open sometime in the spring.)

There will be six-person teams, but instead of playing 18 holes of golf, they be in the covered comfort of heated bays, hitting specially encoded golf balls to electronic targets. Similar to bowling, scores are tabulated by frame, and the higher the score, the better.

Former Houston Astros broadcaster and manager Larry Dierker hits off the 10th tee during The Woodlands Celebrity Golf Classic at The Woodlands Country Club on Friday, Nov. 8, 2013, in The Woodland, Texas. (AP Photo/Conroe Courier, Jason Fochtman) less

Former Houston Astros broadcaster and manager Larry Dierker hits off the 10th tee during The Woodlands Celebrity Golf Classic at The Woodlands Country Club on Friday, Nov. 8, 2013, in The Woodland, Texas. (AP ... more

Photo: Jason Fochtman, Associated Press

Photo: Jason Fochtman, Associated Press

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Former Houston Astros broadcaster and manager Larry Dierker hits off the 10th tee during The Woodlands Celebrity Golf Classic at The Woodlands Country Club on Friday, Nov. 8, 2013, in The Woodland, Texas. (AP Photo/Conroe Courier, Jason Fochtman) less

Former Houston Astros broadcaster and manager Larry Dierker hits off the 10th tee during The Woodlands Celebrity Golf Classic at The Woodlands Country Club on Friday, Nov. 8, 2013, in The Woodland, Texas. (AP ... more

Photo: Jason Fochtman, Associated Press

Astros' legend Dierker plans golf event for a good cause

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Dierker said holding the event at TopGolf allows nongolfers to get involved, it isn't weather dependent, and the atmosphere lends itself to more socializing than a charity golf tournament.

"They wanted to do something that was more like a party than a golf event," Dierker said, noting the Literacy Advance will be celebrating its 50th anniversary next year. "And they wanted to do something that wouldn't take a whole day from somebody's work schedule... It's really fun. I've been there a couple of times. I'm really looking forward to it."

As part of the festivities, Dierker and his wife Judy also will be honored by the group for their tireless work as adult literacy volunteers. Dierker has given more than 1,200 hours of service over the past six year. Coincidently, Literacy Advance started the same year Dierker began his baseball pitching career with the Astros in 1964.

Dierker has always appreciated the written word. As a member of the Astros broadcast team, he eloquently delivered the daily "Baseball Library," where he would weave tales of baseball lore to his listening audience. Then, after he had a near-fatal experience as a manager in a 1999 game against the Padres -- which required subsequent emergency brain surgery -- he wrote the book, "This Ain't Brain Surgery: How to Win the Pennant Without Losing Your Mind."

"It's very rewarding," said Dierker about volunteering, "especially after you see tangible results."

Cost per six-person team is $1,000, which includes food, beverages, golf and other activities and prizes. To register as a player or sponsor, donate or for more information on adult literacy, visit LiteracyAdvance.org or call 713.266.8777.

SHO holiday offers

Once again, the Houston Golf Association and the Shell Houston Open are offering money-saving ticket offers in time for the holidays. All three include free FedEx shipping.

The $100 package ($185 value) includes six any-day general admission tickets, plus a SHO logoed cap and valuable pouch. The $130 ($225 value) offer includes four any day Champions Pavilion tickets plus the cap and valuables pouch and a dozen logoed Titleist ProV1 golf balls. And the third offer at $175 ($243 value) includes cap, balls and valuables pouch as well as two SHO Club 16 tickets.

Golf fans may order 24/7 online with a major credit card or call (281-454-7000) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays, beginning Dec. 2.

Women's Golf Charities to fold

After 45 years of serving Houston women golfers, the Women's Golf Charities will cease operations at the end of the year.

According to Women's Golf Charities President Peggy Stevens, there were a number of factors that went into the decision, including increased operational costs, scheduling conflicts, the changing demographics of players and decreased participation.

Mike Bailey is a senior staff writer for the Golf Channel. He can be reached at mike.bailey@golfchannel.com.